Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Engagement Style Essentials

December 5th, 2017

The news of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement has essentially taken over the internet. Unlike numerous other celebrityengagement stories, this one carries more significance as the groom just happens to be a royal and the bride-to-be a biracial actress from the US. The story has even prompted a hashtag #blackgirlmagic, with numerous magazines and Twitter fans rejoicing the fact that such a groundbreaking union is to take place.

By now we know that both the royal family and Markle’s friends and family are thrilled as well, and that the wedding is set to take place in May 2018. It’s safe to say that millions will be glued to their TVs watching the ceremony, but until May arrives, we will occupy ourselves with details of the engagement and tidbits of information the happy couple was gracious to provide.

Spot the differences

After a close inspection of the two engagement interviews, namely that of Prince William and Kate Middleton and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, there are numerous differences to be pointed out. First of all, the first couple followed the precedent the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to the letter – one that states that there should be no public displays of affection among royal couples. They sat apart, barely tapping each other on the knees every now and then. With the future newlyweds, it is an entirely different story. Now, one can attribute Markle’s sense of ease in front of the cameras to her acting career, but the fact that the couple spent the entire interview with hands intertwined, turned towards each other with gushing glances, it is safe to say that their demeanor was vastly different than that of Kate and William.

Harry is after all known as the most fun royal, and perhaps this breaking of protocol is just one of the ways of modernizing the monarchy, which he has said is his goal. There could be another reason for this level of closeness in public – unlike William, who is next in line for the throne, Harry doesn’t carry the same level of responsibility. Either way, it’s amazingly refreshing to see royals behaving ‘just like the rest of us’.

Although both couples looked flawless for their ‘on-camera’ time, it is easy to spot the clear differences in this aspect as well. Unlike William, who went for a more formal dark suit, Harry opted for a light-blue one with a skinny tie. As for the ladies, Kate’s dress could be described as a tad ‘dressier’ while Markle kept things fairly simple with a dark green sleeveless dress that still looked impeccable, and went perfectly with the more relaxed setting and vibe of the interview itself.

Being such a beloved public figure who has an enormous amount of influence, we can only assume that the dress will be a highly coveted one, much like the already iconic white coat by Line the Label Markle wore for the engagement photo shoot. Needless to say, the future bride looked impeccable – the perfect mix of chic and modesty.

The wow factor

While amazing fashion choices never cease to grab our attention, this time they will be shadowed by the gorgeous engagementring. The Prince reportedly got down on one knee and everything, while the couple was ‘trying to roast a chicken’ in the little cottage that has been their refuge before going public with the relationship. Although Harry didn’t choose a family heirloom (Prince William proposed with late Diana’s engagementring), Markle’s ring is also loaded with meaning.

Reportedly, the two smaller diamonds came from late Diana’s personal collection, and the center stone is from Botswana, where the couple camped during the first month of the relationship. It doesn’t get more sentimental than that, so if you ever decide to either recreate their engagement or envision your own, it does not get more special than handcrafted diamond engagement rings; this, after all, is the most significant piece of jewelry and it deserves to have a story behind it.

It is highly likely that Markle will adopt a more posh and royal-appropriate dress code once she becomes part of the royal family, but it should be noted that the actress and humanitarian already has a fairly spectacular sense of style. Of course, items like jeans will probably go out the window, along with the more form-fitting dresses as the royal women are expected to uphold the standards of modesty and demureness. It is also highly likely that her choices will become limited to British designers and she will have to give up those political tees as members of the royal family should always refrain from expressing their political stance.

Of course, these are all assumptions; being the rule-breaking royal, Prince Harry and his future bride may still surprise and bring forth more innovation and steps towards modernization, and that may well extend to the dress code. We will just have to keep a close watch and see how things progress.

About the Author

Sophia Smith

Sophia Smith is an Australian based fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger, graphic designer, lover of vintage treasures, basics, white and D,I,Y enthusiast. Design plays a huge role in her personal expression. She has contributed to a number of publications including: LA Fashion, Viva Glam Magazine, Just Haves, Everyday Power Blog, How to Simplify and Carousel.